Intelligence

publisher

Postgraduate students’ perceptions of practice mentor competency in physical education: development and preliminary validation of a questionnaire

Source
Frontiers in Education
Published
Last verified
17 Aug 2026
Confidence
Moderate
Evidence
Original document retained
Reading time
1 min
Country
International
Relevant to
Policy & Regulation, People & Capability, Research & Evidence

Executive summary

What happened, and why should leadership care?

A study in 'Frontiers in Education (International)' has initiated the development and preliminary validation of a specialized questionnaire to assess postgraduate students' perceptions of practice mentor competency within physical education. This addresses a recognized gap where existing mentor competency frameworks are often too generic, failing to capture the specific, practice-oriented responsibilities vital for effective postgraduate training in this field. The research involved literature review, policy analysis, expert consultation, and student feedback to construct a 20-item instrument, with a pilot survey conducted on 7 participants.

Why this matters

Why is this strategically important?

The development of specialized tools to evaluate mentor competency can lead to more effective training programs by ensuring mentors are equipped to support practical application of knowledge. This directly impacts the quality of graduates entering relevant fields, enhancing professional standards and capabilities across the sector.

Key insights

What should be noted from the evidence?

  • Practice mentors are critical for bridging university-based learning and field-based pedagogical, coaching, and professional practice in physical education postgraduate training.
  • Current mentor competency frameworks are often generalized, not specifically tailored to the practice-oriented responsibilities required in physical education contexts.
  • A new 20-item questionnaire was developed to specifically assess postgraduate students' perceptions of practice mentor competency in physical education.
  • The development process involved a comprehensive approach including literature review, policy analysis, expert consultation, and student feedback.

Evidence and confidence

How far can this assessment be trusted?

Moderate confidence. Provenance established; supporting evidence remains partial.

Analysis is prepared editorially by Aziz Shuaib Ausi. The original publication remains the authoritative record, and executive judgement remains entirely human.

Source

Where does this originate?

Reported by Frontiers in Education · International. This briefing summarises the publication for executive use; the document itself is not reproduced here.

Read the original publication